Port Vale Foundation Trust is proud to announce that Stoke on Trent College have today become the headline sponsor of the community department at the club for the next two years.
The unique sponsorship will see both the Foundation and the college’s new Institute of Sports Performance working in partnership on a number of community and college/education programmes over, the length of the deal and beyond, which will bring more sporting and vocational opportunities to the northern end of the city.
As well as starting up two elite football academies, the partnership includes teaching and training, re-establishing sport for young people at the college’s Burslem campus.
PVFC FT are now recruiting for the FUTSAL and Ladies football academies which will launch in September 2017 for 16-18 year olds which will be delivered by the Foundation staff with teaching provided onsite at the college to give a class leading blend of expertise in both areas.
The Port Vale FC Foundation was launched in September 2015 with the mission to engage, inspire, motivate the local community through a number of projects focused around 4 key areas which are sports participation, education, health and disability and social inclusion.
Foundation manager Tom Sherratt said: “It was Important for us to find the right sponsorship in this key development of the Foundation and we are delighted to have agreed terms with Stoke on Trent college. Planning is already taking place on sustaining a successful partnership over the next 2 years and beyond, through a number of innovative projects and programmes.
The college shared the same ambition and outcomes to inspire – engage – motivate our local community. It’s a proud moment for the Foundation and we hope that the benefits will only develop for the College, Foundation and the local community over the coming years”
The partnership also includes the recruitment of a new apprentice community sports coach, due to be announced this week.
This innovative role will aim to combine the areas of School Sport and Football Development to ensure maximum impact with individuals on programmes whilst working with external funding partners to grow the Foundation.
The coach will be involved in the delivery of mainly football and other sporting activities across all themes the foundation delivers, including sports participation, health and disability, education and social inclusion.
Stoke on Trent College Institute of Sports Performance Manager, Trevor Humphreys said: “This is an excellent opportunity to develop the elite sports we offer at Stoke on Trent College. In addition to our basketball and netball academies, football development centre and elite athlete sponsorship programme, the FUTSAL and Ladies football academies will ensure that all our students have the opportunity to be a success in their sport”.
The new Institute of Sports Performance is a core part of the college’s new commitment to being one of the top sports institutions within the region, and is already working with partners such as Staffordshire universities TeamStaffs Elite programme and the European City of Sport Team, alongside key commercial partners My Protein, Under Armour and Hoop Skills”
There will be an official announcement and pitch presentation at Port Vale’s home game against Coventry on October 1st!